How Do Single Women Choose A Motorhome or Trailer and Where Do They Camp

Question: Hi Luise: I am recently retired lady living in TX, and bored to death. My brother and his wife own an RV, and they said that they had met single retired women at some other campgrounds. How do you begin to look for the right RV? I have a standard poodle who will travel with me. I am brave, but also cautious. I would love to hear about clubs and where to begin. Lynda

Answer: Dear Lynda: Good for you!! Truth telling can so often be a door opener. Why stay bored, for heaven’s sake? Also, “brave and cautious” are the perfect combination to base your move on.

You need to focus on two things…the rig that is the right one for you and your support system.

Many people rent RVs for a while to see what suits them best. I didn’t do that but I often recommend it. For me the choice was easy. I bought a motor home because my best efforts at learning how to back up a trailer were proof-positive that I needed to pass on that. Many women can whip into a campground and tuck their fifth wheel or travel trailer between two trees, leaving inches to spare on both sides. I’ve seen it done. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them. So your first job, if you haven’t found out already, is to see what kind of a rig you are comfortable with.

I fell in love with the Class C type motorhome because I just adored the luxurious, queen-sized, cab-over bed. It also left lots of room for my two dogs, which together are about the size of yours. Eventually, I got so I could tow a little pick-up behind me but not to start out with. I bought a Fiberglas, 21 ft. Class C on a one-ton Toyota chassis. I passed everyone on the road and then I passed them all again at the gas station.

If you are of a mind to rent a unit, or even a few, before investing…then make notes about what you like and don’t like along with what you need that you don’t have and what you have that you don’t need. Also, tour every unit you are invited into. Most people love to show off their rigs. And ask a lot of questions about why they picked what they picked, and how it’s working out for them. Ask about things like generators, solar panels, basement units, automatic levelers, and back-up TV screens even if you’ve never seen any of them up close and personal

Your support system is the rest of the equation. I firmly believe that the Escapees Club is the greatest resource out there. Go to: www.escapees.com . Once you’ve joined, you will be given all kinds of materials to peruse. They have a marvelous campground system called Rainbow Parks, reasonable RV insurance, special events and even a retirement spot for folks when they “hang up their keys”. If the Escapees don’t have the options and services you want and need, make a suggestion and watch what happens.

That’s where I would head, first off…to their headquarters, Rainbow’s End, in Livingston, TX. That’s the place to make friends and learn everything you need to learn. Then your first road trip can be with one of their traveling groups called the Escapades! You may find that you will always want to travel that way.

RVing has become a very strong, American subculture. And because of that, there’s a bond that is immediately established when you hit the road. You are about to start on a Great Adventure! I mean it!
Blessings, Luise

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About Luise Volta

Luise’s long life has brought her to being the great grandmother of four teenagers. Born in 1927, the miles in between her teens and theirs have been full of falling and getting up, learning and growing and then falling and getting up again. A normal, though not simple, process.
She has had diverse careers in nursing, teaching preschool, interior design, Real Estate sales, insurance adjusting and dairy herd testing. She’s lived in the Mid-west, South and West Coast. Luise is married to the love of her life, Val, born in 1911. Their little terrier, “Rosa,” makes most of the major decisions at their house, (or thinks she does).

3 Responses to How Do Single Women Choose A Motorhome or Trailer and Where Do They Camp

Hi Luise: I have a spotless 2003 Chinook 24′ Destiny XL for sale. You can see a picture of it on my website. The graphics have been removed to reveal the custom Lamborghini Purple paint. I used it as a mobile spa for 16 months and it is not your standard “motorhome”. Many custom features make this a perfect unit for the adventurous woman. If you have any advise for marketing this special motorhome I’m all ears. I’d like to forward my 2 page flier or send a hard copy. Write me back and I’ll get a copy to you that gives all the details.Pam@FaceWorks-etc.com

Hi, The best luck I have had is with Craig’s List. I put a competitive price on mine in a slow market and it sold the same day to the third person who came to look at it (and the phone kept ringing.)It would have sold to the first person if I hadn’t omitted something important in my ad.

Unfortunately, there is no room here for a 2 page description.

The key is the price. Dealers discount new units and private sellers who want action take a hit, as well. The price is what gets serious buyers to your door…then the options close the sale. Blessings, Luise

I’m new to rving. I am brave but careful. I am taking the lunge. It’s exciting and a little scary, but I want to do it. I’ve got a 29 ft class A rv. Not towing yet using rentals cars. I need to know what car is best to tow all wheels down?